Dry Mount Epson Somerset Velvet & Semi-Matt

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Pat Regan

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Feb 28, 2004
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Victor, NY
I had a couple prints done at JumboGiant, one is on Somerset Velvet
Paper and one is on Epson Premium Semi-Matte. My question is this,
can these be safely dry mounted?

If so, what settings should be used or other info I could provide to
my framer?

Thanks,
Pat
 
Pat--

Do you know what type of inks were used? I've drymounted both types of paper with ultrachrome inks using about 185 degrees in Seal Masterpiece and speedmount. Press time 30 to 45 seconds. Seems to work fine, but I usually drymount(with heat) only prints I make for my customers so they can be replaced if there is a problem--these inks scratch very easily.

If you try to drymount other epson inks or HP inks you will probably experience color shift. We cold mount these, hinge or use any suitable approach that does not require heat.
 
I would also recommend that you use good (not creased or wrinkled) release paper over the print as added protection.
 
Heat sensitivity depends on the ink set as well the paper. And the particular model of printer comes into play, too.

As a general rule, digital reproductions should not be dry mounted, because we generally do not know enough about their composition. If you can determine the ink set, paper, and printer model, then you can refer to charts for specific limitations. Start with www.wilhelm-research.com.

If you aren't concerned about preservation and decide to 'wing it', then use as low a temperature as possible, and for as short a duration as possible.

Not all damage from heat mounting is noticeable right away. Degradation of the inks or paper coatings might show up later as color shift or accelerated fading.

Of coursed, if these are collectible artworks, then no permanent mount would be acceptable, even if it could be accomplished without obvious harm. The first rule of preservation mounting is that it must be completely reversible with non-invasive methods. That eliminates dry mounting, wet mounting, spray mounting.

In that case, edge mounts are often best.
 
I am confused...there have been endless posts about how to heat mount inkjet prints and numerous discussions about the issues of heat fading the image and assorted other damages.

Why not just t-hinge these prints and call it a day?! It requires much less effort, materials and electricity and as a bonus there is virtually no chance of damaging the print. All of the inkjet papers are perfectly flat so there is no curling issue (unless the customer rolled it up in a tube).

I just don't see the point of taking a chance and damaging this kind of art when there is a viable alternative!

Joel
 
I had to send out these prints since they are larger then I can print on my epson 2200.

These prints were printed on an Epson 9600 using ultrachrome inks on epson somerset velvet paper which is 100% cotton paper.

The second print was done on resin coated Epson semi-matt paper with the same printer and ink.

The problem is that, indeed, they are in a tube they shipped to me. Hinge or corner mounting is just not going to cut it in this situation. Plus these pieces would be for sale in a show as part of a limted edition. What to do?

Thanks
 
As Jim said, "if these are collectible artworks, then no permanent mount would be acceptable"

Any dry mounting of a limited edition print will lessen or completely destroy the value so I would do whatever possible to flatten them and then conservation mount and frame.

Good luck!

Joel
 
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